Pak vs Ban 3rd ODI Live: Tanzid’s Century Powers Bangladesh to 290/5 in the Series Decider

DHAKA – A career-defining maiden ODI century from young opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim steered Bangladesh to a match-winning 290/5 in the series-deciding PAK vs BAN 3rd ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. 

With the series deadlocked at 1-1, Tanzid’s maiden ODI century (107 off 107 balls) in the series decider anchored the hosts' innings after Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field. 

The Tigers’ decision to persist with their opening pair paid dividends as Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan (36) weathered an aggressive initial burst from Shaheen Afridi. The duo shared a century stand, putting on 105 runs for the first wicket and neutralizing the new ball with calculated aggression. Tanzid, in particular, was in sublime touch, reaching his half-century in just 49 balls and punctuating his knock with six boundaries and seven towering sixes. The breakthrough for Pakistan finally came in the 19th over when Shaheen Afridi clean-bowled Saif Hassan, but the platform for a massive total had already been laid. 

The middle overs saw a steady consolidation as Tanzid partnered with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27). Tanzid reached his historic milestone in 98 deliveries, celebrating his first ODI hundred with a lofted six over long-off. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by a fiery Haris Rauf, managed to claw back into the contest. Rauf was the standout performer for the visitors, claiming 3/52, including the vital scalp of Shanto.

Tanzid’s magnificent stay eventually ended in the 37th over when he misjudged a delivery from mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed (1/49), offering a catch to Shaheen at cover with the score at 194.

Despite the loss of their set opener, Bangladesh maintained their momentum through a composed partnership between Litton Das (41) and Towhid Hridoy. The pair rotated strike effectively against the spin of Saad Masood and Abrar Ahmed, adding 68 runs for the fourth wicket. Although Haris Rauf struck twice in the 47th over to remove both Litton and the dangerous Rishad Hossain for a duck, Hridoy remained the anchor until the end.

In the final five overs, Hridoy’s unbeaten 48 off 44 balls ensured Bangladesh finished with a flourish. Pakistan’s death bowling, featuring Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi (1/55), was disciplined but couldn't prevent the hosts from reaching 290. With a required run rate of 5.82, Pakistan's revamped batting lineup, led by Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, faces a stiff challenge on a Mirpur surface that traditionally favors spinners under lights.